Calibre Commercial Insurance was officially launched last week following Munich Re’s purchase of Calliden’s general insurance operations.

CEO Mike Hooton says the business remains “firmly focused” on providing business package, industrial special risk, general liability and specialty liability products to SMEs through brokers.

But he says the backing of Munich Re opens up new opportunities.

“Munich Re bought the business in December, but we haven’t been able to change the name until now,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“We have the support of the existing Calliden brokers, plus some new ones who have been attracted by the strength and stability Munich Re provides.

“Any previous concerns over what the future may bring have been removed with the new ownership structure.

“Now we are part of the global group, we may be able to introduce new products to Australia that Munich Re offers elsewhere. That is one of the exciting opportunities.”

Mr Hooton says specific cyber cover is being investigated, but is not a priority for the insurer.

“We have started to explore what it could mean for us and the brokers we deal with, but our focus at the moment is our core business package market.”

Calibre recently bought Latitude Underwriting’s specialty liability portfolio from Austagencies, with Ross Gilbert moving across to Calibre to continue managing the portfolio.

All Calibre policies are underwritten by Munich Re subsidiary Great Lakes Australia and are available to transact from next Monday, taking effect from January 1.

Directors of the company are Mr Hooton, Munich Re Australasia MD Heinrich Eder and Munich Re Asia Pacific CEO Roland Eckl.

Con Anasta is the National Sales Manager, while Darren Fisher holds the Underwriting Manager Commercial role. Ryan Grigg is Claims Manager, Allen Hung-Chi Chen heads Analytics and Portfolio Management and Penny Longmore is Head of Operations, Marketing and Risk.